The Adventure of A.R.I.: My Robot Friend is a 2019 film that explores the elements of loyalty, family bonds, and friendship. When Noah first finds A.R.I. in the laboratory, he has no idea that this robot will become such a close and valued friend, which is something Noah has never had, let alone understood.

Through A.R.I., Noah learns to be more accepting of people, as well as vulnerable to the people already in his life, like Bethany and his family. The best examples suited for this are the many instances where A.R.I. protects Noah. Be it from bullies, the cruel lab director, or even a ruthless and barbaric version of himself, A.R.I. never hesitates to protect his friend. This eventually inspires Noah to do the same for A.R.I. when he is finally captured by the lab director and his goons and taken back to the lab to be stripped of his free will.

With the help of A.R.I., Noah saves everyone at the climax of the film, a selfless act he would never have thought to do at the start of the film. Though slowly paced at times, this film ultimately provides the rare lesson of compassion being transferred to others through action, giving kids and adults alike the chance to look within themselves and do the same for others.

Mild slapstick violence occurs, but gore and guts never make an appearance. The heavy values of loyalty and sacrifice make this film Dove-approved for All Ages.

The Dove Take:

The Adventure of A.R.I.: My Robot Friend answers an infamous childhood question of what it’s like to have a robot for a best friend, creating valuable entertainment for children of all ages.